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Queensland rugby league rumour mill: Matt Scott in the frame for Origin return and will Billy Slater play in Sydney?

Pete Badel has all the fallout from the Queensland camp following their loss to NSW in Origin one.

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Written ByDaniel Ramus

Each week The Courier Mail's Pete Badel reports live from
Red Hill to give us the latest team news, injury updates and
contract sticking points for the three Queensland NRL teams. This
week he's got all the fallout from the Maroons’ camp following
their loss to NSW in Origin one.

CHANGES ON THE CARDS FOR ORIGIN
TWO

“They are picking up the pieces, and the dynasty is on the line
now for the Maroons. It’s on the brink of collapse, and what do
they do from here for the return bout at ANZ Stadium on June the
24th? I spoke to Kevin Walters the Queensland coach straight after
the game, and while he was despondent, he was also quite honest
about his side’s performance, and also flagged the possibility of
changes for Origin two.

“This starts with Matt Scott, the Cowboys enforcer. Of course,
he was a shock omission for Origin one, but I spoke to Kevin after
the game and he said that he is looking at Matt Scott for Origin
two. He has confirmed he is back in the mix and that is big news
for Matt Scott. He was very disappointed to miss out for Origin
one. He argued his claims with the selectors, they just felt that
his knee was a bit of a problem. Of course, he missed last year’s
series with a knee reconstruction. And he got a bit of a knock a
couple of weeks ago against Souths, so they just thought his form
wasn’t great, and they were also concerned about his body. But his
performance this weekend against Parramatta in Darwin will be
crucial to his chances and I’m hearing if he has a big game, he
will be right in the mix to add to his 22-game Origin tally in
Origin two at ANZ Stadium.

“And I think they need his front-row presence, Matt Scott. They
were beaten in the mid field, at the MCG. Dylan Napa and Jarrod
Wallace really struggled to assert any authority. So don’t be
surprised if Matt Scott is back in Maroon for Origin two. Speaking
of Jarrod Wallace, some honest words from Kevin Walters. As I said
I spoke to him after the game and I’ve done a story in The
Courier Mail tomorrow where he says this is “the kick up the
arse that Jarrod Wallace and Dylan Napa need to fight back.” It’s
not like Kevin Walters to come up with some strong words and some
statements but he has put the challenge to his front row. He is
under no illusions about the fact that New South Wales won the
middle third at the MCG and he is turning up the heat on Jarrod
Wallace and Dylan Napa.

Now Wallace, the stats showed 43 metres for five runs. That is
one of the worst performances we have seen from a prop in the
Origin arena. Napa made 88 metres so a little bit better from
Dylan. I thought he was quite committed at times but Jarrod Wallace
went missing when it really mattered for the Maroons. And if he
wants to retain his place for Origin two, he needs some big club
performances in the next fortnight. Kevin Walters, not one to
overreact, but he’s put the challenge to his props.”

BILLY SLATER ON TRACK FOR
SYDNEY

“Now, talking about some injuries. I spoke to Billy Slater in
the sheds after the game. Some great news for the Maroons. He is on
track for Origin two. He says at this stage not 100 percent certain
of course, he needs to get through the next few weeks but he says
his hamstring is nearly there, it’s just a small strain, and he
believes that with the right rehab, and with the right treatment,
he will be there to make his 30th appearance for Queensland and
join the statesman’s club in Origin two. So that would be a huge
boost for a Queensland side that is already missing Thurston, Cronk
and Smith. They need Slater’s experience at the back to square the
series.”

WILL INJURY END MICHAEL MORGAN’S
SEASON?

“Just on Michael Morgan, who was very good for Queensland at the
back at Billy’s replacement, I’m hearing that this stomach injury
that he’s got is worse than originally thought. Now, there’s some
suggestions that he may need surgery on a hernia. At the moment,
they’re just trying to get him through, the Cowboys, and they think
they can get him through the season. He’s just going to have to
play in some pain Morgo, but there is a possibility that he will
finish the season and perhaps need surgery at the end of the year.
Let’s hope that Michael Morgan can get through for the rest of the
year. I don’t think he’ll play this week in Darwin (against
Parramatta on Saturday night).”